Help for Resident Bald Eagles at Stony Creek Metropark

A scary incident for the mother bald eagle at Stony Creek Metropark which famously gave birth this past summer has led to an organized cleanup effort on the part of volunteers.

On Sept. 11, the eagle, believed to be the first nesting eagle to call Stony Creek home, became entangled in fishing line left on the island shore. The Macomb Daily reports that the eagle became panicked when confronted by a kayaker who came in for a closer look and freed herself.

Volunteers are taking action by coordinating Stony Creek's first-ever comprehensive shoreline cleanup, according to a press release issued Tuesday written by bird expert and volunteer Ruth Glass. The event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 12 noon to 3 p.m., at Winter Cove.

Calling the cleanup event "long overdue," Glass wrote that the focus will be on walking the natural shoreline level to retrieve all fishing line, plastic rings, and other wildlife hazards.

A limited number of the following items will be provided: boots, waders, loppers, trash picking poles. You may want to bring your own boots and working tools (including small collapsible hand saws) and a walking stick for balance in deep mud. Plenty of trash bags, gloves and beverages will be on hand.

In the event of heavy rain or inclement weather, a makeup date is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 13 at the same time.

Additionally, experienced paddlers are sought in order to paddle canoes along the east and west shorelines of Upper Stony Lake to retrieve fish line and other wildlife hazards in that area. The park will provide the canoes and equipment unless volunteers prefer to use their own.

The Stony Creek Nature Center can be reached at (586) 781-9113.